Sony Japan has introduced two desktop hard drive music storage solutions for the average consumer. First things first, the NAS-M700HD’s hard drive has been updated from 80gb to 160gb, which is a sensible upgrade to the series to remain competitive with other similiar devices. What sets the new NAS series, including the D500HD, from its previous editions is its implementation of the LISMO uploading music to the cellphone. LISMO is part of the “au” online music service, which is run by KDDI (a Japanese telecom company). Also, the NAS series has access to the AnyMusic online music store directly from the unit. So basically you can purchase tracks, download them and transfer them all in one device. Nice.
Pricing for Japan (devices expected to debut on October 18th):
- NAS-M700HD – 85,000Y
- NAS-D500HD – 65,000Y
- CMT-E300HD – 45,000Y
The NAS-D500HD (in white or silver) is very similiar to the M700HD, but it doesn’t have a MD player nor a S-Master amp. Both NAS units have full DLNA 1.0 compatibility, which basically means it can transfer music to just about any Sony device capable of recieving it – Walkmans, PSP, Sony Ericcsson phones, etc. The M500HD has other features such as: the ability to upload (to hard drive) MP3, WMA, WAV, PCM, and ATRAC; DSEE; playback of MP3 cd’s, and a 4.3 inch full-color TFT LCD. It’s somewhat interesting in terms of I/O – ethernet, WM-PORT, 2 USB ports, analog audio out, headphone out, and more. Maximum output of all three devices is 20W+20W (8Ω). Oh yeah, check out these rad speaker covers. Here are super high resolution pictures of each color (white stars, pink, and green):
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Sony also announced the CMT-E300 and its rather limited. While it comes in several color options (above, pink, and white), it is generally featureless in comparison to the aforementioned NAS systems. The CMT-E300 comes with a 80gb hard drive, but has a very unusual limitation of 128kbps for recordings, and only has 1 USB port. Also, it cannot play MP3 cd’s like the other NAS units. There are several other oddities about the CMT-E300 but I rather not turn this into a post bashing it, but Sony Insider really wonders if it will be that successful.
Information courtesy of Sony Japan (check out link for flash video showing off NAS units).
